Monday, September 23, 2013

Kachina Dolls

Kachina dolls are an important part of the Zuni and Hopi life. Kachinas (also called Katsina or Katchina) are supernatural and are called on for various reasons, such as good crops, rainfall, fertility, protection and so on. There are over 400 different Kachinas. Kachina dolls are carved of cottonwood root and given to women and young girls as gifts. Kachina dolls are painted and adorned with leather, fur, turquoise, beads and more. The Kachina dolls we created were drawn out on craft paper and traced with sharpie. Then, we colored with art sticks and colored pencils. The next step was to back the image with construction paper, only gluing the edge. Once the glue was dry we stuffed them with tissue paper so that they would stand. I do this with my 3rd graders and it usually takes 3, 50 minute sessions to complete.

About Me

I am the K-5 art teacher for Elm Grove Elementary in the Hays school district, just outside of Austin, Tx. I am in my 20th year of teaching and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I pretty much have the best job ever! I love experimenting with materials, lessons with Literacy, adding in cultural experiences, as well as studying great artist from the past and present.

Splash

Welcome to my art blog. This is meant to be a place for me to document art projects and happenings here at school and sometimes in the district. My hope is that students and their families will visit from time to time and catch up on what is happening in the art room throughout the school year. This is also a place to share with other art teachers and educators. If you visit my page, I would love for you to join and comment on the art pieces. The more, the merrier!!